The Kook Run 2026 will be Sunday, Feb. 8 at 7:20 a.m. Both a fun run and a professional race, The Kook Run is a SoCal Big Game Sunday tradition, where thousands kick off the morning with a 5K/10K fun run and costumed race along the Pacific Coast. The 10K race is the fastest on the west coast and will again be made up of an international field of runners, as well as the top runners in Southern California. In 2026, all elite runners will be racing for a cash purse of $3,000 on the most picturesque 10K course on the West Coast. The kids will get their own day to run at the 5th Annual Junior Kook Run, with a modified course for kids, from 400 yards to one mile, on Saturday, Feb. 7 for kids ages 3-12 at the Ecke YMCA, during packet pick-up, starting at 9:00 a.m. The Costume Contest is one of the most entertaining aspects of the event – and that is what makes this event so fun. The contest awards the top three in each of the following categories: “Best Group Theme,” “Best ‘Kook’ Theme,” and “Most Original.” Costume contest participants need to register/check-in at the Costume Contest Registration table between 6:30 a.m. and 7:15 a.m. The costume award ceremony will immediately follow the 5K race. Winners must be present to win. For rules and more info, visit www.thekookrun.com. The Kook Run is proud to donate a portion of all proceeds to the Ecke YMCA of Encinitas. The Right Hand Angels will be the beneficiary of the event’s Beer Garden sales, as well as participating in the event with their chariot runners. Registration is now open – $59.83 ($54.50, today) for the 5K (3.1 miles), $83.26 ($73.67, today) for the 10K (6.2 miles) and $14.56 for the Junior Kook Run. Each participant receives a premium T-shirt and finisher’s medal. The course starts under the world famous “Encinitas” sign on the historic Coast Hwy 101 in beautiful Encinitas, Calif. This scenic loop passes by the famous “Cardiff Kook” statue, rises above some of the most popular surf breaks in the world and heads down to Cardiff State Beach. Water stations are provided throughout the course. Race Day and Costume Contest registration opens at 6:30 a.m. Welcome and introductions take place at 7:00 a.m. The Elite/10K race start is 7:20 a.m., while the 5K and Costume Division race starts at 8:05 a.m. The awards ceremony is at 9:15 a.m. Advance packet and T-shirt pick-up will be held at the Ecke YMCA – 200 Saxony Road in Encinitas (92024) – Saturday, Feb. 7 between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. One of the “coolest” aspects of the race is its Finish Line Festival at Moonlight Plaza – featuring highlights for Kooks of all ages. The energy will be rocking with live music, breakfast tacos, a Vendor Village, games and activities, and a beer garden, featuring local breweries. EVENT PARKING: Public Parking can be found on Southwest corner of S. Vulcan Ave and E st. Encinitas Library Lot (corner of E D St and Cornish Dr) Civic Center parking Lot (East side of S. Vulcan ave between and D St. and E St) Street parking on 2nd and 3rd street (Between C St and K St) Moonlight Beach Parking Lot (corner of C St and 3rd St) TRANSPORTATION: To help with parking on race morning we encourage using a bicycle, carpooling, ride share services, and other local public transportation to arrive onsite. The train and bus station is only 1 block away. If you are using Uber or Lyft we suggest using the Encinitas Library address as a drop and pickup point so you can walk down to the event area. (540 Cornish Dr, Encinitas, 92024) For more information on the event, visit www.thekookrun.com.
